January 29, 2014 1:45am ESTJanuary 28, 2014 9:47am ESTFew defenses, if any, were as dominant as the one coordinated by Sean McDermott of the Carolina Panthers. In every category that matters, he had Carolina at or near the top.Luke Kuechly and Sean McDermott(AP Photo)

The Carolina Panthers had the No. 2-ranked scoring and total defenses in the NFL on their way to a NFC South title. For those results, the man behind that defense, Sean McDermott, is Sporting News’ 2013 Coordinator of the Year.

McDermott received the most votes in a poll of coaches and executives. The 39-year-old has held the position since 2011, joining the staff of fellow former Eagles assistant Ron Rivera, the Panthers’ head coach.

The Panthers were second only to the Super Bowl XLVIII-bound Seattle Seahawks in the two major defensive categories. Only the Arizona Cardinals had a stingier run defense and Carolina also was seventh against the pass.

McDermott’s 4-3 attack scheme also produced an NFL-best 60 sacks and 20 interceptions, good for a tie for fifth. The Panthers had this kind of playmaking potential the past three seasons, but they needed better personnel to jell and excel under McDermott. That came together in the form of a dominant unit this past season.

After his strong coordinating, McDermott got attention as a head-coaching candidate. He got an interview from the Washington Redskins before they decided to hire Jay Gruden.

With McDermott staying put, it’s a big win for the Panthers who have front seven that’s just coming into its own.